The meats pizza from Mr. Nick's Pizza, a new pizzaria and buffet located, in Murfreesboro, right after it is removed from the oven on Friday Dec. 14, 2012. / HELEN COMER/DNJ

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Where to eat

MURFREESBORO — Dale Clear often saw the vacant store in the Oaks Shopping Center and just thought it should be a pizzeria.

After months of the same opinion, he decided to inquire about the rent. Not long after, he opened Mr. Nick’s Pizza.

“This is a great location. We hope the community will support a local business,” Clear says. “I just think this area needed a pizzeria, so here we are.”

The locally owned, family-run business offers a hometown atmosphere where people can enjoy pizza in comfort. It’s also a great place where teams can have game parties and friends can grab a couple slices with a beer, Clear says.

“It’s a relaxed environment where you can come and be who you are. It’s relaxed,” Clear says.

Clear is very proud of the pizza crust recipe he has. “everyone comments on our dough and how good it is.”

Mr. Nick’s Pizza opened Dec. 3.

On the menu: Well, you will definitely find a variety of pizzas, from traditional toppings such as pepperoni, sausage and veggies to signature pies including the Bacon Cheeseburger, which has ground beef, bacon, cheddar and a “pizza blend” of cheeses.

Another popular signature pizza is the Chicken Alfredo, with chicken, tomatoes, cheese blend and garlic on an Alfredo sauce base.

“My favorite one is the Chicken Alfredo pizza,” says Amber Evans, general manager for Mr. Nick’s. “It has just enough garlic, just enough tomato and a perfect crust.”

You’ll also find calzones, wings, salads and sandwiches.

Nothing in the restaurant is fried. There isn’t even a fryer in the kitchen.

What’s the cost: The lunch buffet is $7.99 for all-you-can-eat. Appetizers — including the fan-favorite cheesy garlic bread and the tacos — are $2.99 to $5.99. Calzones are $7.99. Specialty pizzas start at $9.49 for a small and go up based on size and number of toppings. The same is true of the build-your-own pizzas, which start at $6.99 for a small cheese pie.

Desserts are less than $5 a serving and include cinnamon bites and cheesecake.

What to know: The lunch buffet includes pizza, salad bar and make-your-own-tacos, and is served 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.

Mr. Nick’s does offer draft and domestic and premium bottled beer.

For parties, meetings and other large orders, special pricing may be available, so inquire for details.